Walking or flying when it comes to data privacy?

Reading the article “Who is watching while you browse?” (Special report on the digital economy, 17-23 February) reminded me of Mohammad Ali’s famous explanation of why, when he had the choice, he preferred not to travel by plane: “I always travel by coach. If it breaks, it doesn’t fall 30,000 feet.”

While the relatively safety of road and air travel is debatable, everyone has their own perception of what is safer, more appropriate and matches expectations. Having an option always conveys a feeling of security.

I believe the same applies to privacy. With a constantly growing data flow, a global digital environment and a lack of clarity about where online data is stored and transits, it is critical to have a workable framework for personal data to be protected and to flow freely from one member state to another.

This is the context in which the EU is expected this year to propose a legal framework (ie, to revise the data-protection directive). According to the European Commission, it will strengthen individuals’ rights, create a level playing-field, revise the rules that apply to police and criminal justice, improve the procedures for international data transfers, and allow more effective enforcement.

Ultimately, the level of privacy and security will partly be left to individuals. This is where the setting options offered by online services bring the final and critical privacy touch, the point at which people decide – like Ali – whether to hit the road or to fly, whichever gives them the greatest feeling of security.

Businesses from social networks and search engines to online banks are already conscious of the competitive advantage they can gain. No doubt they will continue their efforts to provide more options and enable everyone’s expectations to be met, even those of ‘the champ’.